Paradoxical embolism through a patent foramen ovale.
The high prevalence of clinically silent venous thrombosis and the presence of a patent foramen ovale in up to 35% of the general population suggests that paradoxical embolism (PDE) may be the cause of an ischaemic stroke or a peripheral thrombo-embolic occlusion more often than is presently considered. We report an ante-mortem diagnosed case of PDE and a review of the literature. Contrast echocardiography with provocative manoeuvres is suggested as the key investigation for diagnosis and anticoagulation is the mainstay of therapy.
Vanoverbeke
H
H
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, ASZ, Aalst, Belgium.
Vanoverbeke
J
J
Van der Tempel
G
G
Verheul
G
G
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications*